Help Kasyiah Dunham Stay at Howard University

Hello, my name is Kasyiah Dunham, and I am a rising junior at Howard University, majoring in Acting and a proud member of the illustrious Showtime Marching Band.

I'm humbly reaching out for help during a very difficult and unexpected time. Earlier this month, I was notified by the university that I have a past due balance of $14,000, which is now preventing me from registering for classes for the upcoming school year. Despite my best efforts, I am out of options — and out of time.

Attending Howard has always been a dream of mine. I’ve poured my heart, soul, and dedication into getting to and through this journey. I’ve overcome obstacles, maintained focus, and done everything in my power to stay on track. My mother, a single mom, has worked tirelessly to help make this dream possible for me. We have exhausted every resource available to us to get to this point.

What makes this situation even more devastating is that throughout the year, I was repeatedly told by both the Financial Aid and Bursar’s Offices that everything was in order. I successfully registered, completed my sophomore year, and had no indication that anything was wrong. Unfortunately, due to issues with Howard’s transition from Bison Web to Bison Hub, critical financial information was lost or mishandled — leaving us unaware of this debt until now.

Now, just two weeks before registration, we’ve been blindsided with this balance — and informed that the only solution is a private loan, which we simply cannot secure. I feel defeated, overwhelmed, and heartbroken, but I refuse to give up without asking for help.

I’m pleading with my community: please help me stay at Howard. I am the first in my family to attend college, and walking away now would be devastating. I’ve come too far, worked too hard, and I know that with your help, I can keep going.

Howard has given me a deadline of July 31st to resolve this balance so I can register for classes, secure housing, and continue my education in Washington, D.C. I currently live in South Carolina, so time and travel are also major factors we’re trying to manage.

Any amount — big or small — would mean the world to me and my family. Your support will help me stay on track to becoming a college graduate and pursuing my dreams in the performing arts. Please consider donating or sharing this page with others who might be willing to help.